Backstage update on when AEW's Ricky Starks could potentially debut in WWE - Reports

The AEW status of Ricky Starks has been a hot topic of discussion among fans and others in the industry for months now. The rising star has been off TV for months, and there have been rumors of a potential role with WWE. Sources have provided an update on when Starks might be able to jump ship.

The Absolute has not wrestled for AEW since the March 30, 2024, edition of Collision, where he and Big Bill lost a tournament match to Top Flight. There have been numerous rumors and endless speculation on everything from Starks turning down plans to having heat for his ties to WWE, but all that has been confirmed is that the 34-year-old is still under contract to All Elite Wrestling.

Some reports stated that Ricky's AEW contract was expiring "soon" earlier this year, while at one point, it was believed to have expired in July. There was talk of an internal dispute over the date of Starks' deal, but he is under contract, and there were still no long-term plans for the former World Tag Team Champion as recent as one month ago.

Ricky Starks fueled the rumor mill in a major way with recent comments on being healthy and ready. However, a new report from Fightful Select notes that Starks will not be able to appear for WWE this year at all.

It was noted how the 34-year-old's All Elite contract "is not up any time soon," adding that there has been a lot of recent misinformation about the New Orleans native. A recent report reiterated how Starks will not be granted an early release from AEW, and this latest update stated that there's been no talk of him having any contact with WWE.

Sources have reported this summer that Starks is expected to sign with WWE once he's able to, and he will likely receive a strong offer. The 2023 Owen Hart Cup winner has notable supporters in Cody Rhodes and Jade Cargill.

Update on AEW Dynamite: Fright Night

All Elite Wrestling is set to present the inaugural Fright Night edition of Dynamite. The special episode will air live from Wolstein Center in Cleveland on October 30.

AEW has announced Kamille vs. Kris Statlander for Fright Night. Statlander, who called out the former NWA World Women's Champion on Collision last night, is currently focused on winning back the TBS Championship from Mercedes Moné, who will be in her bodyguard's corner for Fright Night.

Tony Khan previously announced Swerve Strickland vs. Shelton Benjamin for Fright Night. Prince Nana will be in Strickland's corner, while MVP will be with Benjamin.